The last time Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons played in an NBA game, was June 20, 2021, when he was a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. That was Game 7 of the second-round playoff series with the Atlanta Hawks. Everybody remembers what happened on that night.
What followed was a tumultuous summer that ultimately led to him requesting a trade from the Sixers a few weeks before training camp. He held out to try to force their hand and get out of Philadelphia. He then returned to the team, cited his mental health as his reason for not being ready to play, and finally was traded to the Nets at the 2022 deadline for James Harden.
Simmons then was dealing with back issues, and he did not play a single game for the Nets after the deal. As the Sixers and the Nets get set for their preseason opener on Monday, it appears Simmons will finally make his Nets debut.
Nets say Seth Curry and TJ Warren are out for tomorrow’s preseason opener. Ben Simmons will make his Nets debut tomorrow against the 76ers.
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) October 2, 2022
As for the Sixers, it appears at least three starters will be sit out the game.
The matchup will mark Harden’s first game back in Brooklyn since the deal, and the return of Simmons just makes this game that much more interesting for a preseason opener.
Tipoff from Barclays Center is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT on Monday.
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